What to do if I just had surgery to remove an infection due to a stictch that was never removed from a surgery that I had last year?
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What to do if I just had surgery to remove an infection due to a stictch that was never removed from a surgery that I had last year?
The doctor that just did this surgery discovered a stitch that was left in me which caused the infection. I’ve been through hell the past 7 months – pain, being terrified, nurses, doctors, depression that got worse because of it. I want to sue because I could have died; I am not even sure the infection is gone yet 9which means more doctor’s visits and monitoring. I hsve anxiety that you cannot imagine over the idea that I’ll be back in the hospital before long. I cant take it. What should I do first?
Asked on April 4, 2013 under Malpractice Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Speak in person with a medical malpractice attorney--many provide a free or low-cost initial consultation (you can ask about this on the phone, before making the appointment). From what you write, this may be a case of malpractice, if the physician who removed the stitches from the prior surgery was supposed to have removed this one as well, but failed to do so (e.g. was careless). However, beside whether or not this constituted malpractice, another critical question is what might your case be worth--since malpractice cases can be among the most expensive cases to bring, it's only worth pursuing one if the potential recovery justifies it. Experienced malpractice counsel can advise you as to both the strength and potential worth of you case.
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